Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh sentenced to 20 years for rape

A judge in northern India has sentenced the leader of a popular sect to 20 years in prison for raping two of his female followers. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was sentenced amid intense security on Monday at a prison in the town of Rohtak, where the 50-year-old guru has been held since his conviction last week.  Singh was given two 10-year jail terms, which will run consecutively, for each offence.

                                                                                       (C)AFP

His conviction on Friday sparked deadly violence in Haryana as his angry supporters rioted in the streets and clashed with security forces. More than 30 people were killed, hundreds were injured and dozens were later arrested. Police issued orders on Monday to shoot protesters on sight ahead of the sentencing, and ordered the hearing to be carried out inside the prison where Singh was being held.
Singh's lawyer, A K Panth, said his client was innocent and would appeal against his conviction. Vipassana Insan, a spokeswoman for Singh's sect, Dera Sacha Sauda, urged his followers to respect the court's order. Earlier in the day, another spokesman for the sect had called for calm.